Thursday, September 27, 2012

Appliances Make a Big Difference in Vacation Rental Rates

Properties with modern, clean appliances command higher
rents, according to a recent survey by Perfect Places. Vacation rental owners and
managers said they can charge from 10% to 50% more for superior,
well-maintained appliances.

So if you've been thinking of replacing your refrigerator,
microwave or stove, putting it off longer could cost you money. If your
appliances are relatively new, you can still upgrade with smaller items, such
as coffeemakers and toasters. Here are some tips on kitchen appliance design trends for
2013.

Refrigerators

An example of an integrated fridge and wine andbeverage cooler (another kitchen trend).

Stainless steel continues to be a popular choice. It wears
well and the exterior is easy to clean. Plus, stainless steel, even though it
has an industrial feel to it, is neutral in color when compared to black. Another
trend is a built-in, or integrated, refrigerator (shown in photo). Door panels
match the rest of the cabinetry in the kitchen, giving the illusion that the
fridge is another cabinet. This style offers a seamless appearance and cohesive
design. On the opposite end of the spectrum are retro or whimsical kitchens.
Whichever design option you choose, remember that it needs to work well with
the rest of your vacation rental. Placing a retro fridge in a modern kitchen
will stand out, but not in the way you intended.

Multi-function ovens

Miele Speed Oven, which pulls double-dutyas a microwave and a convection oven.

A microwave is a must in any vacation rental—it’s what most
people are used to at home. But you can add another dimension to your guests
cooking experience with a microwave that does double duty as a convention or
steam oven. Chefs in many upscale restaurants are using steam ovens more and
more because of steaming’s health benefits. Convection ovens have been around
for a while and may be more familiar to your guests. Either way, if you’re
replacing your microwave, consider adding a multifunction oven as a way to make
your unit stand out. Just remember to leave instructions on how to use the
convection or steam oven.

Smaller appliances

Along the same lines as an integrated fridge are hidden
appliances. A clean, wide-open countertop is inviting, relaxing and reassuring.
De-clutter by putting toasters and coffee makers behind bi-fold doors.
Alternatively, you can opt for a built-in coffee maker, which makes a great
impression on any coffee drinker. If these options aren’t viable for you, then
consider updating your smaller appliances frequently. This is a relatively
inexpensive way to keep your kitchen looking modern without spending a lot of money.
Also, small appliances are often among the most used items in a kitchen, which
means guests will notice them more.